‘On economy, government should consult across parties’

Dr. Phillip Ntoh, a former World Bank Consultant, erstwhile Finance Commissioner and now Provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), in this brief encounter at the institute’s matriculation ceremony, spoke about the country’s economy, the politics and governance in Abia State under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and other issues. Excerpts

On Nigerian economy, are you worried that we are not getting it right?

The situation is worrisome but this is not the platform for such discussion. I have made presentations at different fora and have granted interviews on the issue, so I do not think I want to continue to talk about it. As I have said at different fora, I still think that government needs to make more consultation. There is no situation that is unsurmountable, there is a solution to every challenge and that solution is what one expects from government. They should not limit their search for solution but must cut across parties and ensure they get the best advice. We have seasoned experts, scholars that abound in Nigeria and beyond; it is the duty of government to locate those people and tap from their expertise. There is nothing about the economy that cannot be tackled; the GDP and other micro economic indicators, like inflation rate, purchasing power, exchange rate etc. With good plan and good efforts on the part of government to redirect some of their policies we can revise the trend of what we have today. There is the need to convert our raw materials into finished goods; it is the only way to add value that you produce. There is the need to diversify the economy and the plans must be convincing that we are serious. The signal of what we are passing through now was there because when I was the finance commissioner I know I wrote a memo to the governor and made predictions on the economy but as I said, this is not the platform for such discussion or debate.

How would you assess Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s leadership in Abia State?

I can tell you that Governor Ikpeazu has done so well in all aspects. The way you assess a leader is the ability to manage scarce resources at ones disposal. He has done well to ensure that the state is working. The state, if you go round, is but a construction site and he is ensuring that no sector is neglected. This is the first time for instance that a sitting governor is visiting ASCETA and that goes to show you that his ears are everywhere and he has the passion to develop Abia. He is always interested in what happens in every part of the state and to me that is the hallmark of leadership: to rise up as occasion demands in tackling challenges.

You are already one year in office; what are the problems you have encountered and the prospects?

For me the job is like a test case. A test in the sense that having performed excellently as a commissioner for finance under the Governor Theodore Orji administration, the present governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, looked at it as a test coming from the ivory tower to see if I will perform again. It is also a test given the fact that the school is located in my local government. So, the people from my area will want me to prove myself again. It is also a test case by my colleagues in the university who will want to see what this academic can do. So that is why to me, given the background, I felt this is another opportunity to prove myself. For me, it is a call to serve my people especially against the background that the institution has been in a state of coma or moribund for the past seven years.

What are the challenges or major projects you have?

In terms of projects, aside infrastructure, which I may say has no end, we will continue to work on the environment so as to make it more conducive for our students and staff. Another issue or challenge one is facing is enhancing the staff welfare package because if they are not well motivated, they won’t do much. I want to ensure the staff welfare package is taken care off. The governor has shown great interest in this direction. Immediately I assumed office, he directed me to set up a committee that will harmonise their salary; that will be at par with what other state-owned institutions earn. So, we have concluded our report and the governor, knowing the kind of person he is, will soon give approval to that report.